White Chicken Chili

Name: White Chicken Chili
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 large onion (diced); 1 tablespoon minced garlic (3 cloves); 2 cups chicken broth; 2 (14-ounce cans) great Northern beans (drained); 2 (4-ounce cans) mild green chiles (with juices); 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (diced); 1 cup corn kernels; 2 teaspoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ⅔ cup sour cream

Published: October 7, 2025

by Sofia

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This White Chicken Chili is a delightful twist on traditional chili, offering a creamy and flavorful experience that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or craving a comforting meal on a chilly night, this dish is sure to impress. With its combination of tender chicken, hearty beans, and zesty green chilies, it’s not just quick to prepare—taking only 25 minutes—but also a healthier choice that everyone will love.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: This recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Flavorful and Creamy: The blend of spices and the addition of sour cream create a rich and satisfying taste.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean chicken and nutritious beans, this chili is both delicious and good for you.
Versatile Dish: Serve it alone or with toppings like avocado, cheese, or tortilla strips for added texture.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This chili stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it great for future meals.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. Below are some key items you might need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Importance of Each Tool

Large pot: A must-have for cooking your chili evenly without any spills.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and meats easily.
Knife: A good knife makes prep work quick and efficient.

Ingredients

For the Base

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion (diced)
1 tablespoons minced garlic (3 cloves)
2 cups chicken broth

For the Main Ingredients

2 (14-ounce cans) great Northern beans (drained)
2 (4-ounce cans) mild green chiles (with juices)
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (diced)
1 cup corn kernels

For Seasoning

2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

For Creaminess

⅔ cup sour cream

How to Make White Chicken Chili

Step 1: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
Add the diced onions and cook for about 4 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Pour in the chicken broth along with the drained beans, green chiles (with juices), diced chicken, corn kernels, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce to low heat.
Cover the pot and let it simmer for 10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 3: Add Sour Cream

In a small bowl, add the sour cream.
Pour about 1/2 cup of the hot chili into the sour cream and mix until well combined.
Gently stir this mixture back into the chili to combine everything well while preventing curdling.

Now you’re ready to serve your delicious White Chicken Chili! Enjoy this comforting meal that’s perfect any time of year!

How to Serve White Chicken Chili

White Chicken Chili is a delightful dish that can be customized in many ways. Serving this creamy chili can elevate the meal and make it even more enjoyable. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

Toppings

Chopped Cilantro – Adds a fresh flavor that complements the chili beautifully.
Sliced Avocado – Creamy avocado provides a rich texture and mellows the spice.
Shredded Cheese – A sprinkle of cheese, like Monterey Jack or cheddar, melts perfectly over the hot chili.
Lime Wedges – A squeeze of lime brightens up the flavors and adds a zesty kick.

Accompaniments

Cornbread – Sweet and fluffy cornbread pairs nicely with the chili’s creaminess.
Tortilla Chips – Crunchy chips offer a fun texture contrast and are perfect for dipping.
Rice – Serve over a bed of rice for a heartier meal; consider white or brown rice for extra fiber.

Garnishes

Sour Cream – A dollop on top enhances creaminess and provides balance to the spices.
Green Onions – Chopped green onions add a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.

How to Perfect White Chicken Chili

Perfecting your White Chicken Chili can take this dish from good to great. Here are some tips to ensure your chili turns out amazing every time.

Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the flavor profile significantly compared to canned or frozen options.
Adjust Spice Levels – Tailor the heat by using different types of green chiles or adding jalapeños for an extra kick.
Simmer Longer for Depth – Allowing the chili to simmer longer can deepen the flavors; just keep it on low heat to prevent burning.
Experiment with Beans – Try using black beans or pinto beans for added texture and taste variety in your chili.
Add Extra Veggies – Incorporate bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor complexity.
Blend for Creaminess – For an ultra-creamy consistency, blend part of the chili and mix it back in before serving.

Best Side Dishes for White Chicken Chili

Pairing side dishes with your White Chicken Chili can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some fantastic options that complement its flavors perfectly.

Garlic Bread – Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of chili.
Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing adds freshness and crunch to your meal.
Mexican Street Corn (Elote) – Grilled corn brushed with mayo, cheese, and spices provides a sweet and savory contrast.
Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw offers crunch and brightness that balances out the richness of the chili.
Baked Potatoes – Fluffy baked potatoes can serve as an alternative base for your chili, creating a hearty combination.
Stuffed Peppers – Bell peppers stuffed with rice, beans, and spices are nutritious companions that add color to the table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making White Chicken Chili can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid for the best results.

Using too many beans: Overloading your chili with beans can make it too thick. Stick to the recommended amount for a perfectly creamy texture.
Skipping the seasoning: Failing to add enough spices can lead to bland chili. Don’t skip on the chili powder and cumin, as they enhance the flavor significantly.
Not simmering long enough: Rushing the cooking process can result in undercooked chicken. Allow enough time for the chili to simmer so that all flavors meld beautifully.
Adding sour cream too early: Mixing sour cream directly into hot chili may cause curdling. Always temper it first by mixing a bit of hot broth with the sour cream before adding it back to the pot.
Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Adding cold ingredients can lower the cooking temperature quickly. Ensure your chicken and beans are at room temperature for even cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover White Chicken Chili in an airtight container.
It can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing White Chicken Chili

Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags with plenty of space for expansion.
It will keep well for about 2-3 months in the freezer.

Reheating White Chicken Chili

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the chili in an oven-safe dish covered with foil. Heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Transfer portions into a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat and stir occasionally, heating until bubbling and warm throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making White Chicken Chili that you might find helpful.

What is White Chicken Chili?

White Chicken Chili is a lighter version of traditional chili, featuring chicken, white beans, and green chilies, creating a creamy and flavorful dish.

Can I use other types of beans?

Yes! While great Northern beans are typical, you can substitute them with cannellini or navy beans if desired.

How do I make this recipe spicier?

To add heat, consider using hotter green chiles or adding diced jalapeños. A dash of hot sauce also works well!

Is White Chicken Chili healthy?

Absolutely! This dish is lower in calories than traditional chili while providing lean protein from chicken and fiber from beans.

Final Thoughts

This White Chicken Chili is not only quick to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding different vegetables or spices according to your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try for a cozy meal that everyone will enjoy!

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